The officers, delegates, and observers present for our 2017 Annual Meeting of the National Council pose for this photo on the grounds of Youngstown State University. The Fraternity flag (center) and the framed charter of our new Epsilon Lambda Chapter (left from center) can be seen being displayed proudly.

It's the Fraternity's biggest business meeting of the year and the 2017 gathering of Alpha Phi Delta's National Council did not disappoint. The February 17-18 meeting was filled with serious deliberation, inspirational moments, important actions and plenty of brotherly fun. The Brothers of Beta Omicron Chapter and the Youngstown Alumni Club served as gracious hosts for the weekend. More than 160 delegates and observers convened at Youngstown State University, where they heard welcoming remarks by the city's Mayor, John McNally. Later in the day, Youngstown State Head Football Coach Bo Pellini wowed the Brothers with a rousing address on leadership.

Among the many items on the agenda, the delegates approved a new budget for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, divided the North Jersey District in two and amended the bylaws to assist District Governors. They unanimously re-elected National President James Miller and National Vice President Todd Cusato to new terms. Harrison Kaufmann won the post of Vice President for Undergraduate Affairs. Paul Zammit experienced his first council meeting as National Treasurer, as did Tom Mauro in a new term as General Counsel. All other national officers were re-appointed to their jobs.

The happiest moments of any National Council come with the chartering of new entities. This year, the Brotherhood welcomed Beta Xi (New Jersey Institute of Technology) as its newest chapter. Epsilon Lambda (University of New Haven) became Alpha Phi Delta's newest colony.

The Beta Omicron Brothers welcomed all delegates to a Saturday evening social gathering at their house as did Brother George Guarnieri to his local restuarant.

The gathering garnered coverage by the local NBC television station. To view the story, click here:www.wfmj.com/story/34541104/fraternity-members-break-down-stereotypes-at-national-convention-in-youngstown ​